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General Questions Address Changes Application Processing
Approved Training Schools Continuing Education Examination
Facilities Laser Hair Removal Permanent Licensure
Refunds Renewal Supervision Temporary Permits

GENERAL QUESTIONS:

Q: How do I contact the Board staff by email?
A:
Due to the volume of calls we receive, it is more efficient to reach us through email. Review a staff list complete with email addresses.

Q: How can I file a complaint against a licensee?
A: You may print the Complaint Form with the Authorization for Release of Patient Records from the list below or call 1-888 419-3456 or (850) 245-4339 to request one by mail. To avoid delays in the process, please complete all sections of the form and attach the requested information. All complaints must be legibly written or typed, and signed.

To file a complaint on a non-medical related business or profession, please visit the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

Q: How can I check if someone is licensed?
A:
You may use our  License Look-Up Search Screen. The best results often occur when the system receives the least amount of information. Some techniques include only providing the county where the practitioner is located or the last name or the first letter of his name, or  select a profession. If licensee is one of our profiled professions, there will be a tab to Practitioner Profile. This will take you to practitioner reported information about their education, specialty certification, etc.

Q: How can I get a list of licensee information?
A:
To obtain an electronic listing of active and inactive licensee’s mailing addresses and license status for DOH/ MQA regulated professions use our Licensee Data service. Please note: The department does not maintain email addresses, fax or telephone numbers in the normal course of business.

Section 119.083(4), F.S., requires only that the agency provide electronic data in some common format such as, but not limited to, the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) text format. Therefore, the download files provided on this page are formatted as ASCII text, pipe delimited.

Financial information, medical information, school transcripts, examination questions, answers, papers, grades and grading keys, which are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1), F.S.,. will be withheld pursuant to Chapter 455.647(1), Florida Statutes. Social Security numbers will also be redacted pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)(C)(vii)(1).

(Note: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.)

Q: How can I become a council member?

A: The Board of Medicine appoints council members. Email mailto:MQA_Electrolysis@doh.state.fl.us to submit your resume and letter of intent for consideration.
 
Q: Who can attend council meetings?
A:
All council meetings are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend.

Q. How can I get an item placed on the council’s agenda?
A: Send the item to the council office with a letter requesting that it be included on the next meeting’s agenda.

Q. How do I apply for my “occupational license”?
A: Occupational licenses are obtained through the city or county where an individual will be practicing. The council office does not handle anything regarding occupational licenses.

Q. Can you tell me what this rule means?
A: The council office staff cannot interpret the laws and rules for anyone. Questions regarding the interpretation of the laws and rules may be directed to another electrologist or an attorney.

Q. How can I get a copy of the laws and rules?
A: Access FLHealthSource.com and scroll down to: Request License Application Packet under the public services column. This will have drop down menus for you to ask for the specific laws and rules.

Q. How can I get an application for electrologist and/ or electrolysis facility licensure?
A: Access FLHealthSource.com and scroll down to: Request License Application Packet under the public services column.

Q. What are the national and state organizations telephone numbers and addresses?
A: Please access the link: Associations and Professional Organizations

Q. What do I need to do in order to receive a duplicate license due to having lost my original one?
A: Please go to FLHealthSource.com and access the link: Other Licensee Activity that is under the licensee services column. Scroll down until you see Obtain a Duplicate License.
 
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ADDRESS CHANGES:

Q. If I am a licensee how do I change my mailing address with the department?
A: You may complete the Change of Address form (pdf - 96kb), print, and submit, or you may write a letter requesting the change.You will need to indicate whether you are requesting a Mailing Address or Practice Location Address change and provide your full name as it appears on your license, your new address, and your license number (including the alpha prefix). If you have applied for a license and have not received a license number, please include the profession. The practice location address will display on the Internet and your license. The mailing address will only display on the Internet if you have not provided a practice location address to us. Mail to: MQA Communication Services, 4052 Bald Cypress Way Bin #C01, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3251, or fax to 850-487-9626.

Q. If I am a facility owner how do I change my address to another location?
A. A facility owner must submit a completed current “Transfer of Location” application (pdf - 180kb), $200 fee, and return the original facility license to the council office. Once the application has been processed by staff and is deemed complete for inspection, staff will submit the following: 1) A request for inspection to the appropriate field office, and 2) A completion letter will be submitted to the facility owner. Once the completion letter is received and not before then, the facility owner may permit electrolysis services to be rendered in the facility.

Q. If I am an applicant how do I change my address?
A: You must submit the request in writing to the council office at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #C05, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3255. Requests may also be faxed to 850.414.6860.

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APPLICATION PROCESSING:

Q. How long does it take to process my application?
A: Once an application has been received, it takes approximately 1-3 days for revenue to receipt in the fees. The application is forwarded to the appropriate board office for staff to process. Staff has 30 days to process an application once it has been receipted in by revenue. (NOTE: It may or may not take the full 30 days for staff to process the application; however, application status’ are not given out until the 30 days has expired, unless the application has already been reviewed.)

Q. Can I call to get the status of my application?
A: Yes. You may call (850) 488-0595 and the operator may give you the status of your application. (NOTE: It is not necessary to speak with staff regarding a status check of your application because the operators in the call center have access to the licensing system and they can give you the information that has been requested.)

Q. I am applying by the “endorsement” method, what information must be submitted?
A: Detailed instructions are enclosed with every application packet for electrolysis licensure in Florida. Make sure you read the instructions and laws and rules before filling out the application. Please access the link: Applicant Information. It will contain the information regarding applying by the endorsement method and you will have access to the application as well.

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APPROVED ELECTROLYSIS TRAINING PROGRAMS:
 

Q: Does the Electrolysis Council accept training programs that give home study?
A: No. Rule 64B8-53-001(1)(b), F.A.C. states: "No home study or correspondence school is approved by the Board as an electrolysis training program although it may be licensed by the State Board of Independent Post secondary Vocational , Technical, Trade, and Business Schools." (Note: Is is now called the Commission for Independent Education.)

Q: Where are the training schools for electrolysis located and how can I get in touch with them?
A:
There are twelve (12) approved training schools in Florida.
   

  • About Face, A Teaching Institute (Ft. Walton) Telephone: (850) 862-2728

  • American Health and Aesthetics Institute (Deerfield Beach) Telephone: (954) 425-7701

  • Anton Aesthetics Academy, Inc. (West Palm Beach) Telephone: (561) 963-4799

  • Cindy Cassady School of Electrolysis (Pensacola) Telephone: (850) 478-3362

  • Electrolysis and Laser School of Central Florida (Orlando) Telephone: (407) 325-4257

  • Electrolysis Institute of Tampa (Tampa) Telephone: (813) 997-0866

  • Electrolysis Training Center of Volusia, Inc. (DeLand) Telephone: (877) 736-6605

  • Florida College of Natural Health (Pompano Beach Campus) Telephone: (954) 975-6400

  • Florida College of Natural Health (Bradenton Campus) Telephone: (800) 541-9299

  • Florida College of Natural Health (Orlando Campus) Telephone: (800) 939-7337

  • Florida College of Natural Health (Miami Campus) Telephone: (800) 599-9599

  • Florida School of Electrolysis (Port Charlotte) Telephone: (941) 255-0006

  • Hollywood Institute of Beauty Careers (Hollywood) Telephone: (954) 922-5505

  • Orlando Institute of Electrology (Orlando) Telephone: (407) 295-2081

  • Vector Institute of Beauty and Electrolysis (Orlando) Telephone: 407) 898-9909

 

    The council has previously approved the following out of state schools:

  • Southeastern Institute of Electrology (Summerville, Sc) Telephone: (877) 436-7000

  • New York Institute of Electrology (NY, NY) Telephone: (212) 838-5676 (no longer offers services)

Licensees may also access the link to the list containing all the contact information for the approved schools(pdf - 25kb).

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CONTINUING EDUCATION:

Q: How many “home study” credits may be completed before renewing my license?

A: Licensees for renewal may take up to 10 hours of approved “home study” courses. The courses used for renewal must be taken during the biennium period, which is the period between the issue date of your license and the expiration date of your license. For further information of continuing education please go to continuing education requirements.

Q. When do I have to have my continuing education for renewal completed?
A: Continuing education contact hours must be completed on or before May 31, 2006. The present biennium period is June 1, 2004 through May 31, 2006. Continuing education must be completed before you renew your license. When you renew your license, you are affirming you have met all requirements for renewal including the continuing education requirements.

Q. Who are the approved providers for “home study” courses, and how do I contact them?
A: The approved providers for home study courses are any association or organization listed in rule 64B8-52.003(2), F.S. (pdf). Licensees may also access the link to Continuing Education Requirements.

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EXAMINATION:

Q: When must the council office receive my application in order to be considered for the next available electrolysis examination?

A: Applications must be received 120 days prior to the next available examination and completed 45 days before the scheduled examination. A list of scheduled eligible candidates is submitted to the examination vendor 45 days prior to the examination. The exams are given in March and September.

Q. When will I receive the information regarding the exam date, time and examination site?
A:
The examination vendor will send examination information all scheduled eligible candidates approximately 2 weeks prior to the examination. (NOTE: The council staff does not send information to the candidates regarding the examination.)

Q: If I re-apply to take the examination, must I re-apply for licensure?
A:
No, if you successfully pass the next examination it is possible your application is still in pending examination scores status and may be valid to process your licensure.

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FACILITIES:

Q. Once facilities have been turned in for initial inspections to occur, how long will it take the field office to complete them?
A:
The field offices have 60 days to complete an inspection request. (NOTE: Since a facility license is not issued before the initial inspection has been completed and it has been noted that the facility is in compliance, the field offices try to make these requests “priorities.” Therefore, it may not take the full 60 days for the inspector(s) to complete the facility inspection(s).

Q: When I transfer my facility license to a new location, how long do I have to wait before I can begin practicing at the new location?
A:
You may begin practicing at the new location once you have received your letter of completion from the electrolysis council office.

Q: Can I begin practicing at a new location before filing an application for transfer of my facility license?
A:
No. A facility owner must submit a completed current “Transfer of Location” application, $200 fee, and return the original facility license to the council office. Once the application has been processed by staff and is deemed complete for inspection, staff will submit the following: 1) A request for inspection to the appropriate field office, and 2) A completion letter will be submitted to the facility owner. Once the completion letter is received and not before then, the facility owner may permit electrolysis services to be rendered in the facility.

Q: Where can I get a copy of the rule I have to have on display in my facility?
A:
You can download a copy for your use. This file is in a PDF file format, which will require software such as the Adobe PDF Reader to download. Download Rule 64B8-51.006, Florida Administrative Code (pdf), print it and display it in your facility.

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LASER HAIR REMOVAL:

Q: Can an electrologist use “laser” devices?
A:
Yes, with conditions. Please go to our Laser Hair Removal page.

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PERMANENT LICENSURE:

Q: When will my permanent licensure be issued?
A:
Once a file is complete, it is placed on the next Board meeting agenda for approval. The Board meets every 3 months. (See the Board meeting schedule)

  • Endorsement applicant - permanent licensure will be processed upon completion of the application and approval by the chair.
  • Examination applicant - the council will approve for licensure pending successful examination results.

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REFUNDS:

Q: What if I choose to withdraw my application and not pursue licensure in Florida, may I receive a refund of fees?
A:
The $100 application fee is a non-refundable fee. You must submit a written request, including your original signature, to withdraw your application in order to be refunded the $300 examination fee, the $100 licensure fee and the $5 unlicensed activity fee.

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RENEWALS:

Q: When will I receive my renewal notice?
A:
Renewal notices are mailed out approximately 120 days prior to the expiration of the biennium period. If you do not receive one please go to our web site FLHealthSource.com and access the link Renew My License under the Licensee Services column.

Q: Can I renew my license without my renewal notice?
A:
Please access the link Renewal Information.

Q: What will happen if my electrologist license is renewed after the expiration date that is printed on my license?
A:
You will be charged a $100 delinquent fee in addition to the $134 renewal fee, totaling $234.

Q: What will happen to my facility license if it is not renewed by April 30, of the even year?
A:
Facility licenses that are not renewed by the expiration date of the biennium period will automatically become delinquent for 6 months. If the facility owner fails to renew within 6 months of the expiration date, the license will automatically become “null and void” and electrolysis may not be performed in that facility. In addition, electrolysis may not be performed under a delinquent license as well. A facility owner would then need to completely reapply for facility licensure, and he/she must cease practice until the facility is licensed. Activity occurring in an unlicensed facility may result in disciplinary action by the board, a fine, and possible denial of licensure.

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SUPERVISION:

For Temporary Permits:

Q: Do I have to have direct supervision in order to practice on a temporary permit?
A:
No, the supervisor must be able to be contacted or he/she must be able to drive to the facility within a reasonable amount of time should an emergency arise.

Q: Does the supervising electrologist have to be on the premises at all times where I am practicing electrology with a temporary permit?
A
: No, the supervisor must be able to be contacted or he/she must be able to drive to the facility within a reasonable amount of time should an emergency arise.

For Laser Hiar Removal:

Q: When performing laser hair removal, does the supervising physician have to be on the premises where I am practicing?
A: Rule 64B8-56.002(1)(d), F.A.C., requires licensed electrologists to perform laser hair removal under the “direct supervision and responsibility of a physician properly trained in hair removal and licensed pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 458 or 459, F.S.”

Rule 64B8-2.001, F.A.C., defines direct supervision as:

“(1)(a) “Direct supervision” shall require the physical presence of the supervising licensee on the premises so that the supervising licensee is reasonably available as needed. When this term is used in probationary terms of a Final Order, it requires that the licensee practice medicine only if the approved supervisor is on the premises.”


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TEMPORARY PERMITS:

Q: Can I receive a temporary permit to work if applying by the endorsement method? If so, when will I receive it?
A:
Endorsement candidates can receive a temporary permit. However, staff cannot issue the temporary permit until council has deemed the individual(s) eligible to receive one.

Q: I am applying by the examination method, when will my temporary permit be issued?
A:
When staff has processed the application, and the application has been deemed complete, then the individual is eligible to receive a temporary permit. Candidates appearing before the council as an individual consideration will not be granted a temporary permit until approved by the Council, and the Council will then direct staff to issue the individual the temporary permit.

Q: What happens if I fail the examination?
A:
If you are working on a temporary permit, you must cease working immediately upon notification of your failing results and return your temporary permit to the council office.

Q: May I apply for another temporary permit or ask for an extension?
A:
No. An applicant can have only one temporary permit and it cannot be extended.

Q: If I re-apply to take the exam, may I have another temporary permit?
A:
No. A temporary permit shall not be issued to an applicant for licensure who has previously failed the examination and has not subsequently passed the examination.

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